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‘Des Plaines Is A Community Of Faith’

Immanuel Lutheran Church Of Des Plaines Celebrates 150 Years

Construction of the present church building at Lee and Thacker streets incorporated 1950s architectural modernism.

Immanuel Lutheran Church (855 Lee St.) in Des Plaines is celebrating 150 years.

The anniversary celebration takes place Sunday, Oct. 24 with a special service at 10 a.m.

“We’ve been here at the same location for over 150 years, and we are proud of being a part of the community for 150 years,” said Beth Barcal of Mount Prospect, anniversary celebration chairperson.

“Des Plaines is a community of faith, and Immanuel Lutheran Church is a significant part of Des Plaines history,” Barcal said.

The guest speaker at the anniversary celebration will be Rev. Allan R. Buss, president of Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).

“It is important to recognize and celebrate anniversaries as milestones because it gives people an appreciation that God has been with us this many years, and has guided us, and led us to where we are today,” Barcal said.

According to www.immanueldp.org/history, Immanuel Lutheran congregation grew with German heritage and a base of faith from the 1860s. The Immanuel Congregation was founded on Aug. 13, 1871.

The first church space was a two-story structure of frame and brick. The second floor was used for divine services and the lower level accommodated a Christian day school.

When more space was needed, a new church was erected in 1876. The red brick building with a belfry and tower remained as a landmark on Lee Street for 80 years.

In 1886, a Methodist church across the street from Immanuel was purchased and converted to a school.

On Jan. 10, 1892, Immanuel became a member of the Missouri Synod, which had been organized 45 years earlier.

Construction of the present church building incorporated 1950s architectural modernism, and ground was broken on Feb. 12, 1956. In 1994, Immanuel added Faith Hall, a multi-purpose wing.

Today, the church maintains a food pantry every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to the public. One pantry visitor is allowed at a time (enter at the parking lot door) and PPE masks are mandatory.

There are also bilingual (English and Spanish) Sunday school classes on Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. for children ages 3 to 10.

Learn more at www.immanueldp.org.

Immanuel Lutheran’s red brick building with a belfry and tower remained as a landmark on Lee Street for 80 years.

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